Your Guide to FSSC 22000 Certified Bags

Your Guide to FSSC 22000 Certified Bags

Certifications are a necessary component of the food supply chain because they help protect several food safety standards through routine surveillance and inspections. Along with the standards they require, obtaining a certification demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to their goods’ quality, safety, and compliance. 

The food packaging industry relies on several certifications, including the FSSC 22000 Certification. Each one focuses on important aspects of the production process and ensures that specific regulations are met every step of the way. 

What Does It Mean to be FSSC 22000 Certified? 

The food production industry uses the FSSC 22000 Certification to confirm the safety of food-grade plastic through strict food safety standards that span from production to purchase. As a complete food safety certification, an FSSC 22000 Certification is one of the most important things a plastic bag manufacturer should have to develop plastic products for food packaging.

What Are The Components of an FSSC 22000 Certification?

The requirements for FSSC 22000 Certification consist of three major components. Each one must be completed in order to achieve certification. 

ISO 22000

The FSSC 22000 utilizes existing international and independent standards, like ISO 22000, as the baseline for the requirements of a food safety management system. 

Sector-Specific Prerequisite Programs

Additionally, obtaining an FSSC 22000 requires using some sector-specific prerequisite programs that can help ensure the maintenance of hygienic and sanitary environments within each organization. 

FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements

Finally, some requirements in addition to the scheme are used to ensure consistency and integrity while adding agility in attending to potential food safety issues. 

What Are The Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification? 

As a globally recognized standard, FSSC 22000 Certification offers an array of benefits for the food packaging industry and other parties in the food production supply chain.

Some of the major benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification include:

  • Increased food safety across the entire production and packaging process
  • Reduced risk of recalls due to controlled safety hazards
  • Increased efficiency resulting from streamlined food safety processes and reduced errors 
  • Enhanced reputation and improved customer confidence 
  • A certification model that can be used in the entire food supply chain
  • Minimized risks for all certified organizations in the supply chain process
  • Industry-wide acceptance and recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
  • Required consistent, high-quality audits to verify safety standards
  • Helps manufacturers comply with local laws and regulations 
  • Required recertification every three years

Is A-Pac Manufacturing FSSC 22000 Certified? 

Yes! A-Pac Manufacturing is FSSC 22000 Certified. Our food safety management system was initially certified in 2018, and our FSSC 22000 Certification remains current for manufacturing poly bags and polyethylene film. Since 2018, we have completed thousands of orders following the Food Safety System Certification Scheme. 

Invest in High-Quality Food Safe Plastics For Your Small Business

Whether you’re just getting started in the food industry or simply need a trusted supplier of food-safe plastics, A-Pac Manufacturing can help. Our manufacturing process has obtained a number of food safety certifications, including FSSC 22000, so you can always rely on the safety and quality of our products. Plus, with our unique “no order minimums” approach, there’s no better certified plastic supplier for small businesses. 

If you’re in need of an FSSC Certified manufacturer that works with small businesses, contact our team today and request a quote for your food-safe order!

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
What Production Time To Expect for Custom Poly Bags

What Production Time To Expect for Custom Poly Bags

A carefully planned process is crucial to custom plastic bag production. Generally, plastic bag suppliers expect their manufacturing process to last a few weeks. During this time, the manufacturer works diligently to understand your needs, create product samples, develop a final product, and ship the order. 

When each step is followed carefully, the process is seamless and results in a high-quality custom product created to meet your specific business needs. 

What Factors Determine Plastic Bag Production Time

The total plastic bag production time at A-Pac takes at least three weeks but can vary greatly depending on the specifics of each order, and some suppliers may require longer lead times. 

Significant factors that can affect plastic bag production time include: 

  • Size – length, width, depth, and thickness
  • Style – seals and handles
  • Quantity 
  • Branding – custom logos and colors 
  • Other additives – food grade capability, clarity, etc. 

Your lead time may be shorter if you already have a printed design and an approved proof with the supplier. However, the order may take longer if you’re printing a new order with many unique features, a nonstandard style, or custom logos. Remember, as the complexity of a design increases, so do lead times.

How Long Should My Lead Time Be? 

To make sure your custom plastic bags arrive when you need them, be sure to plan ahead. Our average lead time is three weeks. This allows plenty of time for designing, approving proofs, production, and unforeseen shipping delays. 

So, if you need the bags completed by January 1, you’ll need to place an order on or before December 1 (earlier if your bag’s design is complex). 

How We Make Custom Poly Bags 

Although seemingly complex, the process required to produce plastic bags is relatively easy to follow. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we’ve implemented a five-step process that ensures you’ll receive a high-quality, custom product without unreasonably delayed lead times. 

This is how we do it:

Step 1: Design and Proof Approval

Production of poly bags can’t begin until the bag’s design is complete. Once you’ve worked with us to choose your colors and create a striking design, we can develop a proof of the bag that features all your requested elements, including size, style, color, branding, etc. Then, the proof is sent to you for approval. 

Once you receive your proof, you may realize that your logo doesn’t stand out like you imagined or that the handles aren’t as large as you need them to be. If the proof isn’t meeting your expectations, you can request changes, and we’ll develop a new proof and send it to you again. After you approve the proof, we’ll move forward with production. 

Estimated timeframe: up to one week, but can extend longer. 

Step 2: Poly Film Production

With the specifications of the bag design laid out, the film is ready to be produced. We will manufacture the poly film for your bags to the desired gauge (mil strength), color, bag clarity, and food-grade capability. 

Our poly film is manufactured through a process called extrusion molding. In this process, the polyethylene is melted from pellets, then pushed through a die to form a bubble which facilitates the cooling of the film to the required thickness. Then, the film is used to create bags. 

Step 3: Poly Film to Custom Plastic Bags

Once cooled, the film is rolled onto a spindle for easy dispensing. The film can be easily unwrapped, cut, and sealed to form the main body of the bags. Handles are cut into the bags during this stage, and any special sealing options are also added.

Step 4: Branding

The next step makes the bags unique to your business – adding your custom branding. During this part of the production, the bags are printed with logos, text, or any other elements requested in your proof. Once branding is complete and the manufacturing process is over, the bags are ready to be sent to the client. 

Step 5: Shipping

The last step is to prepare the bags to ship by your preferred method. Shipping time often depends on the distance to the destination and the order size but generally takes about 5-7 business days from standard businesses. At A-Pac Manufacturing, our shipping time is only 1-3 business days! 

Place a Rush Order With A-Pac

Need custom plastic bags on a tight schedule? For orders of custom plastic bags, most suppliers offer lead times of four to five weeks – or sometimes longer. If you need a faster turnaround, A-Pac Manufacturing may be able to help you get your bags sooner! 

Our estimated design and production schedule typically take three weeks; in some cases, we can work with you to reduce production time even further.  

If you need custom plastic bags quickly, give our team a call. Our experts can help you design an outstanding product, and they can provide you with a time estimate for your order’s production. When you choose A-Pac for your manufacturing needs, you can be confident that you’ll have the best bags for your business when you need them.  

Request a quote, and place your custom order today. 

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Need Plastic Vegetable Bags? Here Are Your Best Options

Need Plastic Vegetable Bags? Here Are Your Best Options

Plastic vegetable bags are an excellent option for those who want to package their fresh items in a food-safe manner. Plastic vegetable bags come in different sizes and styles, so you can choose what works best for your business. You can also get custom-printed designs to fit your branding and marketing needs. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Plastic Vegetable Bags

A primary reason grocery stores choose this style of food storage over glass or ridged plastic is cost benefits. They can be more environmentally friendly than other packaging options because they use less material and can be repurposed (recycled) around the home. They can also be made using plant-based plastics to help further decrease the adverse effects on our planet. 

Plastic vegetable bags are also more hygienic than paper and cardboard packaging because they do not absorb moisture from the products inside or the environment outside, which can lead to mold growth on your food items if left untreated for too long.

Types of Plastic Vegetable Bags

The most common type of plastic vegetable bag is the flat bag. This may be a good option if you’re looking for something more economical. It’s simple to use and can be packed easily by hand or machine.

Flat bags are available in different sizes and thicknesses depending on your needs; some have handles at each end so that customers can easily carry them out of the store without touching items with their hands (which means less contamination).

Another popular style is Wicketed Bags – these tend to cost more than their flat counterparts but offer greater convenience for consumers because there’s less waste involved – the wickets allow foods like lettuce or celery to breathe, keeping everything fresh until they reach home kitchens. 

Flat Ploly Bag Size Guide

The most common size is a 12″ x 16″ bag, which is large enough to hold most vegetables and fruits. But they come in a wide range of sizes from 3″ x 3″ for herbs and spices – all the way up to 24×48 for potatoes, onions, and other large vegetables.

Custom-Printed Designs for Local Marketing

Customers are always looking for ways to support their local businesses, and promotional plastic vegetable bags are a great way to do that. The custom design options make it easy to create an appealing package for your brand that customers will love! With eye-catching colors and graphics, these bags can be used in any store or restaurant and at home with fresh produce from the garden or farmers’ market.

Customers like seeing their favorite brands on products they purchase every day; this is especially true when those products are something they regularly use, like vegetables! By offering custom-printed plastic vegetable bags with your company logo, you’ll be able to reach new customers while also creating repeat business from those who already know about you.

What Makes Them Food Safe? The Right Materials

You want to ensure that your bags are made from food-safe plastic. To be considered “food-grade,” a plastic must meet specific standards set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Food-grade plastics are often made using low-density polyethylene mixtures, metallocene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate.

The low-density polyethylene mixture is one of the most common types of plastic used in disposable bags because of its strength and durability; it can withstand heat up to 180 degrees. This means it will not lose its physical properties or melt away entirely like other types might if exposed for too long at extreme temperatures.

Make A-Pac Manufacturing Your Bag Distributor 

Plastic vegetable bags are an affordable and convenient way to package your produce. Please contact our team at A-Pac Manufacturing for more information if you have questions about which style to choose or what materials they’re made from. We offer a wide range of bags to fit your need, each fully customizable to make your product stand out from the rest. 

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
Should I Invest in Custom Bags for My Small Business?

Should I Invest in Custom Bags for My Small Business?

Having high-quality products is your number one priority when you run a small business. However, you can’t deny how influential good packaging can be. Investing in custom bags for your small business is one of the best things you can do to grow your brand. We’re here to tell you why. 

Why Invest in Custom Bags for Your Small Business?

Whether you sell your products in person or online, your packaging is essential to your business. Custom bags can set your brand apart from others, convey value, attract new customers, and more. Here’s more on why you should invest in custom bags for your small business. 

Boost Your Brand Awareness

When you look up in the sky and see a commercial airplane decked out in red, blue, and yellow colors, you immediately know it’s a Southwest Airplane. Don’t you want people to instantly recognize your brand when they see its logo or specific colors? 

Investing in custom bags for your small business is one of the best ways to increase your brand awareness. Throughout the sales process, your product will appear before many people, whether it be postal service staff, retail employees, or customers browsing the shelves. Make your bags as specific to your brand as possible; people will recognize them when they see them. 

Increase the Perceived Quality of Your Product

There’s something indescribable about high-quality, aesthetically pleasing packaging that will make a consumer buy one product over another. Even if your product is the best of the best, people might not be tempted to buy it if the packaging doesn’t speak to them. 

We suggest making small yet valuable tweaks to your bag to make them appear of higher quality than others. This will vary depending on your product, but these tweaks could include choosing a solid color bag over a clear bag, making the bag resealable, or adding a colorful logo. 

Provide Any Necessary Information

When you invest in custom bags for your small business, not only will you be able to choose appealing design elements, but you’ll also be able to choose what vital information to include on the merchandise bags. We recommend that every brand have its website, relevant contact information, and perhaps a quick story about the product or company. 

If your product is a food item, you’ll also need to follow specific guidelines for what’s on your packaging. With custom food-safe bags, you can include all the necessary ingredients and nutritional information so your product will be up to code. 

Do Your Part To Help the Environment

If providing eco-friendly packaging and services is essential to your brand, or you want to do your part to help take care of the planet, the packaging is an excellent way to showcase that. When you’re choosing new custom bags, be sure to ask about eco-friendly packaging options and recyclable or reusable materials. 

When you invest in green packaging, not only will you feel good about your choice, but many audiences will also appreciate it and be more likely to invest in your brand. 

At A-Pac Manufacturing, we support greener and more eco-friendly packaging initiatives. That’s why we’re happy to provide sustainable bag options made of 20% plant-based materials. 

Get Custom Poly Bags From A-Pac Manufacturing

As a business owner, you know that branding is crucial to your success. Therefore, you should treat your custom bags as part of your marketing efforts. The benefits of high-quality packaging will be well worth the initial investment.

Here at A-Pac Manufacturing, we prefer to work with small businesses. We offer shorter lead times than other manufacturers in the industry and produce custom-printed bags in a wide range of standard and custom sizes. Plus, we have no minimum order quantity. Give us a call or visit us online to learn more today!

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
Are Produce Plastic Bags Biodegradable?

Are Produce Plastic Bags Biodegradable?

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to do our part to take care of the environment. One of the places where much of our country’s waste comes from is the grocery store. If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious, you might wonder, ” Are plastic bags biodegradable?

Are Produce Plastic Bags Biodegradable?

When selecting your delicious fruits and vegetables from the grocery store’s produce section, you’ll notice the rolls of plastic bags to put your selections in. Unfortunately, these produce bags are not biodegradable. 

The plastic used to make produce bags, also known as film, is produced by using either high- or low-density polyethylene. This material isn’t biodegradable and can take centuries to decompose fully. 

Are Produce Plastic Bags Sustainable?

The upside to using plastic produce bags is that they can be sustainable. For example, while most recycling centers don’t accept plastic bags, many grocery stores have implemented recycling programs. You can recycle your used produce bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, and more. 

Another way that plastic bags are more sustainable is that they require less energy to produce when compared to other materials, such as paper. In fact, according to a study conducted by United States EPA, “Plastic bags use 40% less energy to produce and generate 80% less solid waste than paper, and a pound of plastic takes 91% less energy to recycle as compared to a pound of paper.”

More and more companies are joining the effort to reduce waste in our country. As a result, technological advances have resulted in the creation of eco-friendly, plant-based poly bags that combine organic materials with the synthetic ones typically used. This makes poly bags not only a practical option but a sustainable one as well. 

Sustainable Poly Bags From A-Pac Manufacturing

A-Pac Manufacturing is committed to supporting greener and more eco-friendly packaging initiatives, and we’re excited to announce a new, more sustainable product offering. Using NuPlastiQ® technology, we can deliver high-quality plastic bags made from 20% plant-based materials

A-Pac Manufacturing’s sustainable poly bags are made from up to 20% plant-based polymer. This abundant, renewable resource provides many of the same qualities manufactured polymers possess, including strength, durability, and affordability. Still, it has one quality that plastic does not – the ability to biodegrade more quickly. 

Are you interested in purchasing biodegradable plastic bags for your business? A-Pac Manufacturing has got you covered! Our new, more sustainable poly bags are our next step in offering you more of the environmentally friendly solutions you’re looking for. Call the A-Pac Manufacturing team today to discuss eco-friendly packaging options for your next order.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
Your Guide to the Best Flat Bottom Bags Supplier

Your Guide to the Best Flat Bottom Bags Supplier

Packaging is one crucial element you’ll have to tackle when starting a new business venture. What you put your product in not only contributes to your brand’s image, but will also affect how your product will stand up during transportation and storage. 

Are you interested in investing in flat-bottom bags for your product? A-Pac Manufacturing is a top flat-bottom bag manufacturers, and we’re here to help you decide if this packaging is right for you. 

What Are Flat Bottom Bags?

Flat-bottom bags have a flat bottom surface that allows them to stand upright on shelves or wherever they’re placed. Many flat-bottom bags also have gussets (a triangular insert for added strength or expansion) on the left and right sides or bottom. These features make the bags look more attractive and improve their strength and durability. 

One of the best qualities of flat-bottom bags is that they can easily stand up independently and stay open. This comes in handy when you’re packing the bag with your goods, it’s sitting on a shelf and you want it to catch a consumer’s eye, or when someone is trying to have easy access to what’s in the bag. 

What Products Are Flat Bottom Bags Best For?

While food industries use our flat-bottom bags the most, these bags are ideal for a wide range of applications that benefit from a bag with a flat bottom. Some of the products that flat bottom bags are best for include:

Where Can I Find a High-Quality Flat Bottom Bag Supplier?

When it comes to top-notch flat-bottom bag suppliers, no other business compares to A-Pac Manufacturing. We specialize in producing top-of-the-line bags and packaging materials, including gusseted flat-bottom poly bags.

With custom sizes and no minimum order quantity, A-Pac Manufacturing can supply any gusseted poly bag to suit your company’s needs. We offer thicknesses between .75 and 6 millimeters and dimensions ranging from 4 inches by 8 inches to 120 inches by 240 inches. Plus, we have some of the quickest lead times in the market and specialize in working with small business owners. 

Note: If you don’t see the size you need listed on our website, don’t fret. We can manufacture any size poly bag. Just let us know what size you’re looking for, and we’ll make it happen. 

We know how important it is to make your product stand out from the rest. That’s why we offer bags in dazzling shades of red, yellow, green, blue, white, black, and more. We also have access to many material options, including Low-Density Polyethylene, High-Density Polyethylene, Metallocene, etc., so it’s always easy to produce the perfect bag for your application. 

Does A-Pac Manufacturing Offer Sustainable Options?

Yes! A-Pac Manufacturing is committed to supporting greener and more eco-friendly packaging initiatives. That’s why we offer sustainable poly bags as part of our next step in providing you with more of the environmentally friendly solutions you’re looking for.

With our sustainable flat-bottom bag option, our clients can order the same reliable, versatile custom poly bags with up to 20% plant-based material. Using NuPlastiQ® technology, we can deliver the plastic bags you trust to package your products and display your brand – but better (for your company and the planet).

Like paper, the NuPlastiQ® plant-based polymer can quickly biodegrade with naturally-occurring microorganisms. This abundant, renewable resource provides many of the same qualities prized in artificial polymers (strength, durability, affordability, etc.). Still, it has one quality that plastic does not – the ability to biodegrade more quickly.

Invest in Flat Bottom Bags for Your Business

If you think flat-bottom bags are a good fit for your product, A-Pac Manufacturing can help. We can give you the size and quantity of bags you need within the timeline you need them. Plus, we offer custom options to make your brand’s vision come to life effortlessly. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta